Comcast’s next-gen X1 platform heads west to Calif.

Comcast’s X1, which is its next-generation IP/QAM platform, has landed in California after making its debut in Boston earlier this year.

After a trial in Augusta, Ga., last year, Comcast first launched its X1 platform in Boston, followed by rollouts in Atlanta and Chattanooga. X1 is now in front of Comcast subscribers in the San Francisco Bay area, Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno and Santa Barbara, according to a blog post by Comcast Cable’s Marcien Jenckes, senior vice president and general manager of video services. Jenckes also wrote that Comcast would be offering X1 in more areas over the coming months.

Comcast’s X1 platform, which was originally called “Xcalibur” internally, represents the future of video because it combines cloud-based navigation, personalization and search functions, and an interactive programming guide with customized apps and social media features. Currently, Comcast is using a set-top/gateway developed by Pace, which includes a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, but could source other vendors at some point.

In addition to being a migration path to IP, X1 also lets Comcast customers enable their iPhones and iPad Touch devices as gesture-driven remote controls.

“One way we’re redefining how people can experience entertainment is with our X1 platform,” Jenckes wrote. “It’s unlike any other video service that exists today – it makes the TV-viewing experience smarter, richer and more personalized. Every member of the family can enjoy its sleek and intuitive user interface, easy-to-navigate guide, apps and on-demand recommendations.”